The Maryville University Department of Athletics inducted its Saints Hall of Fame class of 2024. This year's class included men's soccer goalie Ed Canavan, the 1999 women's soccer team and Maryville University president Dr. Mark Lombardi. Additionally, Jerry Hughey was recognized as the recipient of the prestigious Lonnie Folks Award.
 
Ed Canavan
A two-time team captain, Ed Canavan is celebrated as one of the top goalies in Maryville men's soccer history. Upon graduation, Canavan held the program's all-time records for wins and shutouts and remains in the top three for these categories. In 1993, he posted an impressive 0.63 goals against average and recorded seven shutouts, directing a defense that allowed a program-low 11 goals that season. Canavan was a three-time All-SLIAC selection and earned All-Midwest honors, leading the Saints to the SLIAC regular season and tournament titles in 1993.
 
The 1999 Women's Soccer Team
The 1999 Women's Soccer Team made history as the first Maryville women's team to earn an NCAA Tournament bid. The Saints finished the season with a stellar 14-3-1 record, including an unbeaten 6-0-1 mark in the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SLIAC). Under the leadership of SLIAC Coach of the Year Eric Delabar, the team had seven All-SLIAC selections, including three first-team honorees: Amy Bornfleth, Danielle Pfeiffer, and Jill Thielemier. Bornfleth was a two-time SLIAC Player of the Year, while Thielemier earned the conference Player of the Year honors in 1999. The team captured the SLIAC Tournament title with a 1-0 victory over Principia in the finals, advancing to the NCAA Division III Tournament.
 
Dr. Mark Lombardi
Dr. Mark Lombardi, the 10th president of Maryville University serving since 2007. During his tenure, enrollment tripled to over 10,000 students. Lombardi transitioned the Saints Athletic Department to NCAA Division II, secured membership in the Great Lakes Valley Conference, and led Maryville to multiple NCAA Division II Presidents' Awards for Academic Excellence. He also engineered the establishment of Maryville Esports under Dan Clerke which is the preeminent collegiate Esports program in the nation.  He also oversaw over $30 million in investment and capital improvements in athletics. Lombardi headed the GLVC Council of Presidents for four years and recently served six years as Chair of the Board of the St. Louis Sports Commission.
 
Jerry Hughey
Jerry Hughey, one of Maryville University's longest-tenured employees, is the recipient of the 2024 Lonnie Folks Award. Hughey has been serving Maryville for 40 years and has been instrumental in the success of Saints Athletics through his role as Supervisor of Facilities Management and Planning. Hughey's dedication ensures that the university's athletic facilities are maintained in excellent condition for student-athletes, coaches, and staff. His prior role was serving as the assistant physical plant director for the university. His unwavering support for Maryville Athletics exemplifies the spirit of the university.
 
About the Lonnie Folks Award
The Lonnie Folks Award honors individuals who embody the loyalty, character, and positive attitude demonstrated by Lonnie Folks as a student-athlete, coach, sports information director, and athletics administrator at Maryville. This award celebrates those who significantly contribute to the spirit of Maryville University Athletics.
 
About Maryville University
 
Founded in 1872, Maryville University is a comprehensive and nationally ranked private institution with an enrollment of 10,000 students. Maryville offers over 90 degrees at the undergraduate, master's and doctoral levels, as well as several certificates that align with the undergraduate and graduate education levels. Maryville is recognized as the second fastest-growing private university in the United States by The Chronicle of Higher Education, serving students from all 50 states and 56 countries. More than 17,000 Maryville alumni work and live in the St. Louis region.